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  • 79th UNGA: Nigerian Government most Investor-Friendly – VP Shettima

    79th UNGA: Nigerian Government most Investor-Friendly – VP Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, has said that the current administration is the most investor-friendly in the history of Nigeria.
    Alhaji Shettima made the claim yesterday, while addressing the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, USA, where he is standing in for President Bola Tinubu.
    Nigeria’s involvement in the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) kicked off on a positive note, securing $320 million in investment commitments from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s debut engagement.
    At a U.S.-Nigeria executive business roundtable hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Nisha Biswal, representing the American International Development Finance Corporation, announced a significant $200 million investment in mortgage refinancing for Nigeria.
    Furthermore, $100 million was allocated to FCMB for the financing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while $20 million was earmarked for Robust International, an agri-commodity trader, to support the cashew nut processing industry in Nigeria.
    Vice President Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, promoted Nigeria as a prime destination for foreign investment, highlighting the nation’s openness to international business.
    Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima’s spokesman, quoted Biswal affirming the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to collaborating with Nigeria on developing sustainable economic policies.
    She expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future and the potential for mutual benefits in continued cooperation.
    In his address, Shettima urged potential investors to trust in Nigeria’s new economic direction.
    He said, “I urge you to give Nigeria the benefit of the doubt. The current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the most investor-friendly administration in the history of Nigeria.
    “When fuel subsidy was an albatross around Nigeria’s neck, President Tinubu, from day one, hit the ground running by withdrawing the fuel subsidy and unifying the multiple opaque foreign exchange markets.”
    The Nigerian delegation at the meeting included key officials such as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani; the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite.
    Other notable attendees were the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake; the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako; the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
    Vice President Shettima’s activities at UNGA79 include delivering President Tinubu’s national statement during the General Debate of the Assembly and engaging with several international leaders and organizations.
    These include the UN Secretary-General, heads of state, the President of the World Trade Organization, and representatives from multinational corporations and foundations, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Nigerian soldier allegedly kills NSCDC officer in Oyo nightclub fight

    Nigerian soldier allegedly kills NSCDC officer in Oyo nightclub fight

    A Nigerian Army personnel identified as Abubakar has reportedly killed Olapade Segun, an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
    The incident occurred, after an altercation had ensued between the two men at a nightclub in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
    The incident occurred on Sunday after a confrontation between the two men, who had met at the same venue days earlier.
    According to eyewitness accounts, the dispute escalated when Abubakar brandished a dagger and fatally stabbed Segun.
    The NSCDC officer succumbed to severe blood loss before medical help could reach him.
    Following the incident, an angry mob attempted to deliver justice by severely beating the soldier as he tried to flee the scene.
    However, he was eventually rescued by fellow soldiers who arrived to disperse the crowd.
  • Tinubu Reacts As INEC Declares Winner Of Edo State Governorship Election

    Tinubu Reacts As INEC Declares Winner Of Edo State Governorship Election

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election, on his victory at the polls.
    Senator Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, having defeated other contenders for the position.
    The off-cycle election had 17 candidates contest for the exalted seat at the Dennis Osadebay House in Benin City,
    The governorship election was held in 4,519 polling units across the 18 local government areas of Edo State.
    In a statement on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve victory.
    He stated that the victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic reengineering programme and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
    The president urged Senator Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a challenging call to service.
    He encouraged the Edo State Governor-elect to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and uniting the people of Edo State to ensure its development.
    Tinubu also praised other candidates who participated in the election for their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, saying peaceful political contests, such as the one on Saturday, portray Nigeria as a stable democracy.
    The President urged all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels.
    In addition, Tinubu hailed the people of Edo State for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the maturing of Nigeria’s democracy after 25 years.
    “I commend the INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful and largely hitch-free exercise.
    “INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising a free and fair election in our country”, Tinubu said
  • It is Okpebholo!

    It is Okpebholo!

    Like a painful delivery that comes after a protracted labour, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the controversial midwife, birthed Sen. Monday Okpebholo, late on Saturday as winner of the Edo State Governorship election.

    A serving senator of the Federal Republic and candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo scored 291,667 to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who polled a total of 22,763 votes.

    This announcement was made late on Sunday by the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State following the collation of results in Benin City, Edo State.

    A jubilant winner: Sen Okpebholo

    Nigerian Anchor reports that the Edo State Governorship election was held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 in 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and the APC candidate won in 11 LGAs, followed by the PDP candidate who won in 7LGAs.

    The outcome of the election is clustered below as follows:

    1. IGUEBEN LGA

    Total Registered Voters 54,549
    Total Accredited Voters 15,274

    APC 5907
    LP 494
    PDP 8470

    Total Valid Votes 14,989
    Total Rejected Votes 278
    Total Votes Cast 15,267

    2. ESAN WEST LGA

    Total Registered Voters 113,067
    Total Accredited Voters 25,702

    APC 12,952
    LP 342
    PDP 11,004

    Total Valid Votes 24,691
    Total Rejected Votes 693
    Total Votes Cast 25,384

    3. OWAN WEST

    Total Registered Voters 67,076
    Total Accredited Voters 24,311

    APC 12,277
    LP 201
    PDP 11,284

    Total Valid Votes 23,904
    Total Rejected Votes 391
    Total Votes Cast 24,295

    4. UHUNMWONDE

    Total Registered Voters 92,169
    Total Accredited Voters 20,044

    APC 8776
    LP 769
    PDP 9339

    Total Valid Votes 19223
    Total Rejected Votes 553
    Total Votes Cast 19776

    5. OVIA NORTH-EAST

    Total Registered Voters 177,106
    Total Accredited Voters 32,441

    APC 13,225
    LP 1,675
    PDP 15,311

    Total Valid Votes 30783
    Total Rejected Votes 1312
    Total Votes Cast 32095

    6. ESAN SOUTH-EAST LGA

    Total Registered Voters 90,240
    Total Accredited Voters 23,390

    APC 8,398
    LP 98
    PDP 14,199

    Total Valid Votes 22780
    Total Rejected Votes 356
    Total Votes Cast 23136

    7. EGOR LGA

    Total Registered Voters 242,266
    Total Accredited Voters 35,463

    APC 16,760
    LP 1,966
    PDP 14,658

    Total Valid Votes 34022
    Total Rejected Votes 1018
    Total Votes Cast 35040

    8. AKOKO EDO LGA

    Total Registered Voters 144,379
    Total Accredited Voters 54,395

    APC 34847
    LP 2239
    PDP 15865

    Total Valid Votes 53547
    Total Rejected Votes 331
    Total Votes Cast 53878

    9. ESAN CENTRAL LGA

    Total Registered Voters 68,338
    Total Accredited Voters 20,580

    APC 10,990
    LP 418
    PDP 8,618

    Total Valid Votes 20198
    Total Rejected Votes 361
    Total Votes Cast 20559

    10. ESAN NORTH-EAST LGA

    Total Registered Voters 106,280
    Total Accredited Voters 24,430

    APC 10,648
    LP 194
    PDP 12,522

    Total Valid Votes 23,637
    Total Rejected Votes 674
    Total Votes Cast 24,311

    11. OVIA SOUTH-WEST LGA

    Total Registered Voters 112,091
    Total Accredited Voters 23,196

    APC 10,150
    LP 849
    PDP 10,260

    Total Valid Votes 21710
    Total Rejected Votes 1086
    Total Votes Cast 22796

    12. ORHIONMWON LGA

    Total Registered Voters 139,260
    Total Accredited Voters 33,196

    APC 16,059
    LP 556
    PDP 14,614

    Total Valid Votes 31,559
    Total Rejected Votes 1091
    Total Votes Cast 32,650

    13. OWAN EAST LGA

    Total Registered Voters 108,252
    Total Accredited Voters 34,618

    APC 19,380
    LP 446
    PDP 14,189

    Total Valid Votes 34,157
    Total Rejected Votes 420
    Total Votes Cast 34,577

    14. ETSAKO EAST LGA

    Total Registered Voters 102,754
    Total Accredited Voters 35,084

    APC 20,167
    LP 604
    PDP 9,683

    Total Valid Votes 30926
    Total Rejected Votes 435
    Total Votes Cast 31361

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    15. ETSAKO CENTRAL LGA

    Total Registered Voters 59,430
    Total Accredited Voters 21,465

    APC 11,906
    LP 381
    PDP 8,455

    Total Valid Votes 20,851
    Total Rejected Votes 294
    Total Votes Cast 21,145

    16. ETSAKO WEST LGA

    Total Registered Voters 186,449
    Total Accredited Voters 54,304

    APC 32,107
    LP 2116
    PDP 17,483

    Total Valid Votes 52,226
    Total Rejected Votes 1,188
    Total Votes Cast 53,414

    17. OREDO LGA

    Total Registered Voters 356,242
    Total Accredited Voters 64,802

    APC 30,780
    LP 5389
    PDP 24,938

    Total Valid Votes 62703
    Total Rejected Votes 1339
    Total Votes Cast 64042

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    18. IKPOBA-OKHA LGA

    Total Registered Voters 392,782
    Total Accredited Voters 61,437

    APC 16338
    LP 4026
    PDP 26382

    Total Valid Votes 48784
    Total Rejected Votes 1455
    Total Votes Cast 50239

  • #EdoDecides: Over 80% of RESULTS released on IREV

    #EdoDecides: Over 80% of RESULTS released on IREV

    APC RESULTS :

    – Esan North East: 6556

    – Esan Central: 6719

    – Igueben: 5199

    – Ikpoba Okha: 18218

    – Uhunmwonde: 5972

    – Egor: 10202

    – Owan East: 19295

    – Owan West: 11193

    – Esan South East: 9237

    – Etsako West: 26140

    – Oredo: 18365

    – Ovia North East: 9907

    – Esan West: 7189

    – Akoko Edo: 22963

    – Etsako East: 17011

    – Etsako Central: 8359

    – Orhionmwon: 10458

    – Ovia South West: 10636

     

    APC Total= 228,419

     

    PDP RESULTS :

    – Esan North East: 13579

    – Esan Central: 10794

    – Igueben: 7870

    – Ikpoba Okha: 41030

    – Uhunmwonde: 16741

    – Egor: 27621

    – Owan East: 14762

    – Owan West: 11485

    – Esan South East: 10565

    – Etsako West: 17959

    – Oredo: 43498

    – Ovia North East: 16987

    – Esan West: 17434

    – Akoko Edo: 20101

    – Etsako East: 10668

    – Etsako Central: 7478

    – Orhionmwon: 13445

    – Ovia South West: 12659

     

    PDP Total= 288,676

    Final Tally:

    – APC Total: 228,419

    – PDP Total: 288,676

     

    PDP is leading with a total of 60,257 votes margin as it Stands .

     

    #EdoDecide2024

  • #EdoDecides: Obaseki wins polling unit for PDP as Akpata loses polling unit to Ighodalo

    #EdoDecides: Obaseki wins polling unit for PDP as Akpata loses polling unit to Ighodalo

    Alot of upsets have emerged from the Edo Guber elections with results showing that the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, has won his polling unit in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The result from the polling unit, PU19, Ward 04, Oredo LGA, shows that PDP scored 127 votes, APC got 35, while Labour Party got 11 votes.

    In a related development, the Labour Party candidate in the election, Olumide Akpata, lost his polling unit to the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

    At Polling Unit 11, Ward 06 in Oredo Local Government Area, Ighodalo secured 41 votes, while Akpata followed with 32 votes. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came in third with 19 votes.

  • #EdoDecides2024: State REC Rates INEC’s Performance 92%

    #EdoDecides2024: State REC Rates INEC’s Performance 92%

    The Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha has rated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 92% in its performance so far, in the ongoing election process.

     

    Addressing the media during a post-election briefing in Benin City, the REC commended INEC staff, security agencies, and the electorate for their roles in ensuring a largely peaceful and orderly voting process.
    He highlighted that the commission had worked diligently to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls, attributing the high performance to several factors including enhanced staff training, timely deployment of election materials, and the functionality of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

     

    “We are pleased that this election, in terms of logistics, voter management, and overall coordination, has been one of the best in recent times. Materials were delivered to most polling units on time, and the accreditation process went seamlessly in over 90% of the locations,” the REC stated.

     

    However, Dr. Onuoha acknowledged that there were still some minor hitches, particularly with late arrival of materials in a few remote areas due to bad roads. He reassured the public that the commission has taken note of these issues and is working towards making improvements in future elections.

     

    The REC also praised Edo State voters for their peaceful conduct during the voting process, urging continued engagement in the political process.
    He emphasized that the collaboration between INEC and security agencies was instrumental in ensuring a secure environment for voting, with no major security incidents reported throughout the state.

     

    While the 92% performance rating marks a significant success for INEC, Dr. Onuoha reiterated the commission’s commitment to achieving even higher standards in future elections, as part of its ongoing reforms to enhance electoral transparency and credibility in Nigeria.

     

    Collation of Results

    From results collated so far, within Benin city, PDP leading, APC following while LP comes 3rd

  • Edodecides: PDP won’t get a single vote in my polling unit

    Edodecides: PDP won’t get a single vote in my polling unit

    …APC candidate boasts
    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the ongoing Edo State governorship election, Monday Okpebholo, has boasted that none of his opponents, including the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, will get a single vote at Unit 03, Ward 1, Uwessan, Esan Central LGA in Edo.
    Mr Okpebholo stated this after casting his ballot on Saturday.
    He said, “PDP or whatever will not get one vote here because this is my home and my people love me.”
    He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying, “What I’m seeing here is like a testimony that INEC is getting it right.”
    When asked to comment on his impression on security deployment for the election, the APC candidate said, “I know that everything they are saying about security – this, that – is ‘hyping’. I mean, nothing is happening. You can see! Nobody is fighting. No knockout, no stick of matches. So is just for people to scare people away from voting”.
    “You know Obaseki wanted to cause fire in Edo State, but by the grace of God, everything is moving perfect.”
  • Edo 2024 Guber Update: Voting Begins Amid Tight Security

    Edo 2024 Guber Update: Voting Begins Amid Tight Security

    The 2024 governorship election in Edo State has officially commenced, marked by a significant security presence and varying reports regarding the arrival of INEC officials and voter turnout across different polling units.

     

    INEC Officials Arrive Late at Some Polling Units

    At 7:43 a.m., INEC officials arrived at Unit 18, Oghede Ward 10, located at Oghede Secondary School on Ekenhuan Road in Egor Local Government Area. Despite the officials’ timely arrival, only a small number of voters were present at the polling unit.

     

    In stark contrast, by 8:39 a.m., Units 7 to 10 in Ward 1 at Ezoti Primary School, Oredo Local Government Area, reported a large turnout of voters. However, INEC officials had not yet arrived. Security operatives were on-site to maintain order and ensure the safety of the gathering electorate.

     

    Smooth Voting Process Amid Low Turnout

    By 8:51 a.m., voting commenced at Units 19 to 28, Ward 4, Emokpae Primary School in Oredo LGA, where the electoral process was proceeding smoothly. However, at Unit 41, Ward 4, located along Idahosa Lane on Mission Road, INEC officials were present but reported no voters at the polling unit. Staff expressed concerns regarding the absence of security personnel at this location.

     

    Reports from Unit 36, Ward 4 at Evbiemwen indicated that by 9:11 a.m., both INEC officials and security operatives were present, yet voters had not yet arrived. A similar situation was observed at Unit 32, Ward 4, on Ero Street, Wire Road in Oredo LGA, where voting was ongoing under the watchful eye of security personnel, although turnout remained modest.

     

    Continued Presence of Security Operatives

    By 9:30 a.m., INEC officials finally arrived at Unit 31, Ward 4, Azama Street on Wire Road in Oredo LGA. While security operatives maintained law and order throughout the polling units visited, voter turnout across these locations remained low.

     

    Across all polling units monitored, there was a heavy presence of security operatives both within and around the voting areas, ensuring that the election process proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner as citizens exercised their democratic rights.

     

    There have also been few incidents of alleged vote buying by some party agents.

     

    As the day progresses, further updates on voter turnout and election proceedings are anticipated.

     

    Security Threats

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Asue Ighodalo has raised an alarm over security threats during the ongoing gubernatorial elections in Edo State.

    He alleged that the police had arrested a party member in Ward 8 Unit 3.

    “In Uromi unit 3, one of our supporters was arrested there about an hour ago by men in mufti carrying guns. Nobody should carry guns into a polling unit. That is against the law. But you just see people behaving indiscriminately, oppressing and trying to intimidate our folks,” he said.

  • DSS Allegedly Plotting To Arrest Investigative Journalist, Fisayo Soyombo

    DSS Allegedly Plotting To Arrest Investigative Journalist, Fisayo Soyombo

    In a move that make many ask who the enemies of the Nigerian state are, the Department of State Services (DSS) is reportedly planning the imminent arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist.
    Mr. Soyombo is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
    A security official, speaking anonymously, revealed to FIJ on Wednesday that the DSS is actively tracking Soyombo’s location, stating his arrest could happen “any moment from now, once they can trace his whereabouts.”
    The exact reason behind the DSS’s interest in Soyombo remains unclear. However, speculation surrounds his role as an investigative journalist, known for his undercover reporting, his social criticism on X (formerly Twitter), and his leadership at FIJ.
    Recently, Soyombo released a damning undercover investigation titled ‘Undercover As A Smuggler,’ which shed light on illegal smuggling and arms trafficking in Nigeria.
    His reports implicated several high-ranking officials, including current Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Hussein Ejibunu, a Comptroller of Customs, as well as other senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
    One particular smuggler, IBD Dende, was even caught on camera threatening to kill an Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) who had intercepted his goods.
    Soyombo’s posts on X have also drawn attention for their sharp criticisms of the DSS itself, highlighting the agency’s reputation for targeting journalists and activists.
    FIJ’s investigative reporting included a recent exposé on First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s receipt of N700 million from the state house to purchase foreign currency for official trips between November and March.
    Recall that Fisayo Soyombo was detained by the Inspector General of Police’s Monitoring Unit and the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre, both times after voluntarily responding to police invitations.
    In 2016, the Nigerian Army accused him of subversion after his investigative series on the treatment of injured soldiers during the Boko Haram conflict.
    Also in 2019, after an undercover stint in police custody and Ikoyi Prison, the Nigeria Immigration Service considered arresting him but retreated following public outcry.